Resilience and dedication may change one’s future, as demonstrated by Awele Ideal, a Nigerian lady who overcame great adversity to become an award-winning lawyer.
Awele’s mother abandoned her when she was only seven months old, leaving her in the custody of her father and a vicious stepmother who mistreated her for years. At her lowest, she resorted to eating leftover food intended for the family dog after suffering from chronic hunger and occasionally going days without eating.
I occasionally went days without eating. She would starve me till I was on the verge of passing away. I remember being so desperate one day that I ate our dog’s leftover food,” she said.
After learning of her predicament, a generous neighbour covertly fed her every day until Awele’s family relocated.
After hearing my story, the woman broke down in tears and vowed to feed me daily without my stepmother knowing. Until we left the compound, she fulfilled that promise,” Awele remarked.
Awele endured physical and psychological abuse from her stepmother in addition to malnutrition, which included severe beatings, tying her up for days without food, and peppering her eyes, armpits, and intimate areas.
Awele stayed committed to her studies because she knew that they were her only way out of these unfathomable circumstances.
I never made fun of my education since I realised that it was the only route out. She revealed, “I had every reason to be resentful, envious, and hateful, but I decided not to be.”
She earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Delta State University in 2010 and a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Benin as a result of her hard work. After completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School, she was admitted to the bar in 2011 as a solicitor for the Nigerian Supreme Court.
Awele Ideal is currently the chief counsel of Ideal Chambers, a law practice situated in Asaba, Nigeria, and a well-known attorney, mediator, arbitrator, and child rights champion.
CREDIT: ALLSCHOOL, Allschoolabs
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